More than medicine: A look at what your local pharmacy really does

Community pharmacies are one of the most accessible parts of the NHS. Most people live within a short walk or drive of their local pharmacy, and no appointment is needed to walk in and get help. Yet misunderstandings about what pharmacies do and who works there can sometimes prevent people from using services that are quick, convenient and free. 

Here we address some of the most common myths and explain how community pharmacies can support your health and wellbeing.

Myth 1: Community pharmacies are just for picking up prescriptions

Fact: Community pharmacies offer far more than dispensing medicines. Depending on where you live, services may include:

• Sale of over the counter medicines without a prescription
• Minor illness services for coughs, colds, sore throats, stomach upsets, rashes and other common conditions
• NHS Pharmacy First in England, where pharmacists can supply prescription only medicines for certain conditions without you needing to see a GP
• Vaccinations such as seasonal flu and COVID 19, and sometimes travel vaccines
• Emergency contraception and sexual health advice
• Health checks including blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks and stop smoking support
• Repeat prescription services, including delivery for eligible patients

Many services are available without an appointment, although some, such as vaccinations, may need booking in advance. Some services are NHS funded and free, while others may carry a charge, so it is always worth checking with your local pharmacy.

Myth 2: You always need to see a GP before going to a pharmacy

Fact: Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can assess and advise on many minor health concerns without you needing to see a GP first.

If your condition is more serious, they will advise you to contact your GP, urgent care or hospital. Community pharmacies are designed to be one of the front doors to the NHS and can often provide same day support.

Myth 3: Pharmacies can only help with medicines

Fact: Medicines are only part of the picture. Community pharmacies also support people with long term conditions and preventative care.

They play a big role role in:

Long-term condition support

Pharmacists can help you manage conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease by checking your medicines are working for you and giving you practical advice.

New Medicines Service

This supports patients starting new medicines for long-term conditions such as: 

• Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Heart failure

If you’re eligible, your pharmacist will usually explain the service when you collect your prescription. You don’t need to book it separately – it’s offered as part of NHS pharmacy care and is completely free. This support can help ensure patients access the right care in the right place.

Myth 4: All pharmacies offer exactly the same services

Fact: While all community pharmacies must meet the same standard and provide essential NHS services, many go above and beyond. Most community pharmacies now have consultation rooms for private conversations, while others may run specialist clinics.

It’s worth checking what’s available at your local pharmacy, either by visiting in person or looking on the NHS website. Services can differ depending on local health needs and funding, so two pharmacies on the same high street may not offer the same things.

Myth 5: Pharmacists are shop workers rather than healthcare professionals

Fact: Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who study for at least five years in university and supervised practice before they qualify. They are medicine experts, but their role extends far beyond dispensing. They are trained to spot warning signs of serious illness, provide treatment advice and help patients manage their health.

However, pharmacists are not the only professionals in a pharmacy. Often, the first people you meet at the counter will be qualified pharmacy technicians or dispensers. These team members are all also trained to a high standard and play a crucial role in preparing, checking, and supplying medications safely, similar to pharmacists.

These skilled team members include:

• Pharmacy Technicians: Must complete nationally recognised training and are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council so are registered professionals. They work as part of the pharmacy team alongside a pharmacist.
• Dispensers and Pharmacy Assistants: Support the preparation and supply of medicines and provide advice on over-the-counter products. They complete accredited courses to ensure they give safe and accurate guidance.
• Accuracy Checking Technician: Pharmacy technicians who have completed additional accredited training to independently carry out the final accuracy check of dispensed medications. Accuracy Checking Technicians help ensure prescriptions are supplied correctly and safely, allowing pharmacists to focus on clinical care while maintaining high safely standards.

So, when you step up to the counter, you’re speaking to trained professionals that study for years to become qualified and they’re there to help.

The takeaway

Community pharmacies are much more than a place to collect prescriptions. They are accessible, professionally led services and often the quickest way to get trusted healthcare advice and treatment. 

Whether you have a minor illness, a question about your medicines, or need preventative care such as a vaccination, your local pharmacy is an important part of the NHS.